Out with the old and in with the new in Taihape

The site for the new Taihape Volunteer Station was yesterday blessed by Te Rangi Hawira on behalf of local Iwi, Mōkai Pātea. Taihape Chief Fire Officer Alan Troon, Area Manager Gary Ward and Region Manager Bruce Stubbs represented Fire and Emergency at the ceremony. 

The new station will be built on the brigade’s current Kuku Street site. The previous station was recently demolished and the brigade has moved to a temporary site on the same street.   

Funding for the new station has come via the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, which is allowing Fire and Emergency to rebuild or upgrade 26 fire stations around New Zealand earlier than anticipated.

Region Manager, Bruce Stubbs says it is fantastic to see Taihape benefit from the COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund.

“It allowed us to prioritise the development of the Taihape station,” he says.

The new station will feature a double appliance bay, a training room, gender neutral showers and a locker bay for up to 30 volunteers.

Chief Fire Officer, Alan Troon says the brigade is looking forward to moving into the new station.

“We enjoyed our old station and it held a lot of special memories, but, it is time for an upgrade and we are all excited about everything the new station will offer,” he says.

Area Manager, Gary Ward expects the brigade will be at the temporary site for about a year before moving into the new station.

Region Manager Bruce Stubbs, Area Manager Gary Ward, Taihape Chief Fire Officer Alan Troon, and Te Rangi Hawira alongside the concept drawing of the new station.

Attendees at the blessing for the new Taihape fire station.